Tom Tom 500 says memory card not installed

If you have an SD card installed then
Remove the SD card from the tomtom

Try the hard reset.
Push a Paper clip in the tiny hole by the card slot.
Push it in firmly whilst the unit is powered up (not too hard) for about 3 seconds then release.

You may have to power down and then up again and even hold down the power button a little longer the first time you do this.

That would normally reset the tomtom.

If it does then get the latest version of TOMTOM HOME
Install it and run the program.

Now with your GPS tunred off connect it to your computer via a short USB lead.

TTH will now start up and from there you can update the tomtom itself.

If you are getting a red cross whilst bootng the GPS then
The card may need to be formatted properly first or re-formatted.

Formatting is better done in a card reader.

There are differing views but this method has always worked for me.
Insert the card in the reader,. Using my computer or windows explorer

right click on it and select format
select FAT32 as the files system

Now connect the tomtom to the pc but don't let tomtom home run.
Exit TomTom Home if need be.

You now need to select your tom tom which will also show as a drive and may even show its own special icon.

In windows explorer select tools then folder options.
Click view and tick the box for "show hidden files and folders"
It may warn you but you can ignore it.
then just copy ALL the files from the tom tom to your sd card.

DO NOT USE CUT AND PASTE !

I red cross usually indicates an SD card problem.
With most tomtom's usually removeing the SD card and powering up will resolve the issue.

If not then a HARD reset without the SD card may be called for.

If it does prove to be an SD card error then formatting in a proper card reader using FAT32 as the file system and then copying the files back over from the tomtom usually does the trick.

Or format and restore from a back up to the card. can work too.

It may also mean that a files might have been deleted or become corrupted.

This problem is due to the memory card not containing the TomTom application or map. To update the application onto the memory card, Connect the device to your computer. Open the TomTom Home application. Click on 'Update My Device'. This should then install the application onto the SD card. Alternativly, you could perform all the steps above without the SD card in the device, this will install the application onto the internal memory. Note: you may also need to install your maps, voices, etc after you updat.

This problem is due to the memory card not containing the TomTom application or map. To update the application onto the memory card, Connect the device to your computer. Open the TomTom Home application. Click on 'Update My Device'. This should then install the application onto the SD card. Alternativly, you could perform all the steps above without the SD card in the device, this will install the application onto the internal memory. Note: you may also need to install your maps, voices, etc after you update.

When I put on my Tom tom Hands signals comes on with red cross seems like Memory card accpetance problem i have done Reset click and have tried to adjust the card inside but to no avail please advise

What I can suggest is download the drivers & software first .. Than buy another brand of memory card.. I had same issue with a Mp3 player that I had purchased.. It wouldnt recognise the card even though it was setup properly.. I returned it and baught a different brand.. Worked Like a Charm..

#2 If you for some reason cant get the software to install or work properly, I suggest you buy a new Tom Tom (( EXACT MODEL )) and than take the old Tom Tom put it in the new box and take it back with your receipt and tell them this doesnt work.. Ive done that b4 with a Speaker system and it wasnt an issue with the store...

Good Luck !

If you do not have a memory card in the port then that is where you will need to insert one.
If you have a memory card installed then it has been formatted and the TOMTOM cannot read the format try removing the card and try the card on another device to rule out defective card then replace if it is not working on the other device. If it is working on the other devise try another memory card and do not format the card or erase the boot up software to make room for more information,

Sounds a little like I may have done something like that myself from the way this was answered.
Daniel

This link to the TomTom site refers to your prob. Haven't read thru' it but maybe it's the solution.

http://www.tomtom.com/support/product.php?ID=1679&Language=4&query=red+x&FID=6363

HAVE YOU TRIED THE RESET BUTTON? IF SO PRESS THE RESET BUTTON THIS SHOULD RESET THE ERROR WITH IT

I had the same issue after installing updates, I contacted tomtom & they talked me through it.

I think i had to wipe the card & through my tomtom home software they reformated the card & go it sorted.

http://www.tomtom.com/support/index.php?Lid=1